Dash frame reinstall 70 challenger

[Mopar5]

Looking for some advice , I am getting all the trim and gauges mocked up on my dash frame. My question is I will probably be doing the install by myself , I prefer to have everything on it including wiring when I re install it. Has any one ever put the dash fully loaded in by themselves? If so what methods or precautions did you use to know scratch or damage anything?  I know it's getting heavier now adding all the parts I just don't know how much because it's bolted to a stand. Thanks in advance.

[pschlosser]

i agree, it is easiest to install the dash pad fully assembled with all the gauges and wiring.

dropping the steering column will make installation easier, and protect the column from scratches.

if you have a center console, and the seats are installed, use a helper to move the pad into the interior, over the center console and steering, and into place.

begin by installing the bottom bolts partially into the frame, and the setting the bottom flanges of the dash pad onto the bolts.  the pad now pivots on the bolts. 

swing the pad forward until the defrost vents are close to the windshield and the upper part of the dash seems in place.  install upper screws, tighten lower.

finally, connect electricals and any other parts not connected.  reinstall steering column.

test. enjoy.

[Mopar5]

i agree, it is easiest to install the dash pad fully assembled with all the gauges and wiring.

dropping the steering column will make installation easier, and protect the column from scratches.

if you have a center console, and the seats are installed, use a helper to move the pad into the interior, over the center console and steering, and into place. There is nothing in the car no seats no console no steering Im just wondering if anyone has done it by themselves with no help.

begin by installing the bottom bolts partially into the frame, and the setting the bottom flanges of the dash pad onto the bolts.  the pad now pivots on the bolts. 

swing the pad forward until the defrost vents are close to the windshield and the upper part of the dash seems in place.  install upper screws, tighten lower.

finally, connect electricals and any other parts not connected.  reinstall steering column.

test. enjoy.

There is nothing in the car I am just wondering if anyone has installed it by themselves with no helper.

[Floyd]

I'm going to say don't try it alone. You would have to be incredibly creative to figure out a way to do it by yourself without damaging anything.  I installed a fully assembled dash with my son helping and it was as smooth as it gets.  Find a helper.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have done it , as above start the lower side bolts , lift the dash onto those & the dash will roll up to line up the top bolts in the defrost vents .

[B5fourspeed]

I used a bottle jack by the ashtray on the dash frame to hold it in place to get the 4 screws in the front.The jack worked great because my new dash pad was stiff and wouldn't go high enough to start the 4 screws doing it by hand only.The jack was able to lift it in place

[EV2RTSE]

Whether you decide to go it alone or have a helper, be sure to remove the two studs from the steering column support before you attempt to install the dash, if you haven't already!

[Mopar5]

Whether you decide to go it alone or have a helper, be sure to remove the two studs from the steering column support before you attempt to install the dash, if you haven't already!   

Hi EV2RSTE Interior is completely out no steering column in it yet.

[pschlosser]

There is nothing in the car I am just wondering if anyone has installed it by themselves with no helper.

I have done this, alone.  More than once.  And something gets nicked or damaged in the process.  I've used a helper, when available, and hands-down, it is worth paying a flunky to help move the pad into place.

[JonH]

I did it by myself. No column, no studs, no headliner. Put the frame on the 2 side bolts, used 2 ratchet straps connected to the bottom of the frame and the other end to where the sunvisors bolt on. Ratcheted the frame slowly into place. Worked perfectly.Easy peasy.

[1970Cuda]

There are some things that just make logical sense to have assistance on, and in my experience, having a second pair of hands when I installed my dash was super helpful. Not to mention the concern of scratching all my hard work or worse, getting injured. Most things I can do myself, but this was one that seemed perfect for assistance.

After spending around $4K on everything, it just made common sense to have a friend help with the installation. And honestly, it really shouldn't take more than 30 min. to an hour (tops) to install. And as mentioned, definitely put on everything you can on the dash before installation.

[Mopar5]

There are some things that just make logical sense to have assistance on, and in my experience, having a second pair of hands when I installed my dash was super helpful. Not to mention the concern of scratching all my hard work or worse, getting injured. Most things I can do myself, but this was one that seemed perfect for assistance.

After spending around $4K on everything, it just made common sense to have a friend help with the installation. And honestly, it really shouldn't take more than 30 min. to an hour (tops) to install. And as mentioned, definitely put on everything you can on the dash before installation.

From all the knowledgeable replies it looks like the general consensus is yes you can do it but probably not the best idea.I have spent a lot of time and money on it so I will coordinate some help. Do you think I should leave off the lower dash trim because its so brittle, Just wondering about where to grab the dash during reinstall. I will probably just tape off the Lower dash painted surfaces on the passenger side.and obviously tape the painted areas around the 2 lower bolts it rotates upward on.

[1970Cuda]

I left off those dash trim pieces because they're super easy to put on and the could break easy. Plus, I wanted to paint them again with that "Herb's Adhesion Promoter/Interior paint." It makes them look correct and much more vibrant.

[Floyd]

I had both lower dash pieces installed and don't recall any trouble avoiding them while installing the dash assembly.  I understand your concern though. 

As for the lower dash bracket attachment points, I followed the advice of others and removed paint where the bracket makes contact with the inner structure to ensure a good electrical ground.

[Mopar5]

I left off those dash trim pieces because they're super easy to put on and the could break easy. Plus, I wanted to paint them again with that "Herb's Adhesion Promoter/Interior paint." It makes them look correct and much more vibrant.

Perfect Thank you.